Nov 22, 2011
(Started Oct 15, 2009)

Perceived effectiveness for Neuromyelitis Optica:
Can’t tell

Side Effects:
Moderate

Adherence:
Always

Burden:
A little

Dosage:
1000 mg
Every 3 months

Advice & Tips:
I was diagnosed with NMO in October of 2009, and began chemotherapy using Rituximab almost immediately. The treatments were VERY hard on my body, and I almost invariably had alarming cardiac/respiratory crises with every session. As stated in my previous evaluation of this drug, it reached a point where the drug was so hard on me that my doctor (and my anesthetist parents) stopped treatment after my treatment in June of 2010.
My husband and I moved from South Carolina to North Carolina in October of 2011, where I met with several new doctors in the Asheville area. My new hemotologist convinced me that he could administer my treatments without causing the issues I'd previously experienced. I conceded, and to my surprise, he lived up to his claim immensely. He infused the same drug in the same dosage, but with a totally different method. My side effects (both during treatment and after) were minimized greatly - I had NO cardiac/pulmonary crises, and my recuperation time was cut in half. My opinion on this treatment has improved by leaps and bounds. That being said, however, it is still a VERY powerful drug, and should be used with extreme caution - and only if you have exhausted the less dangerous treatments available.

Cost:
Not specified monthly

Jun 2, 2010
(Started Oct 15, 2009)

Perceived effectiveness for Neuromyelitis Optica:
None

Side Effects:
Severe

Adherence:
Always

Burden:
Not at all

Dosage:
1000 mg
Every 3 months

Advice & Tips:
If you take Rituxan, be VERY aware of the strength of this drug, and of the possible side effects. Also consider that NMO in itself causes a great deal of fatigue and weakness, and that the Rituxan exacerbates these effects 100-fold. I deteriorated very quickly neurologically speaking, so much so that my parents (who are CRNAs) were truly afraid I would not survive the last treatment. Just be cautious, and be sure your body is physically strong enough to endure such risky treatment.

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Last updated:
August 2, 2015

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